The $150 billion television industry has a new contender, catered for the budget-savvy consumers who are tired of shelling out an arm and a leg each month for their paid television services, be it cable or satellite. Boxee TV, which will be sold exclusively through Wal-Mart stores nationwide, is a $98 device that includes a built-in antenna for free network television channels, as well as an Internet adapter to stream video services such as YouTube, Netflix, Pandora and Wal-Mart-owned Vudu pay-per-view.

“Yes, the news is true – for the holiday season Boxee TV will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores and online at walmart.com and on our website,” a Boxee spokeswoman said. “There will be in-store displays and we will be included in Wal-Mart marketing materials.”

Boxee may appeal to a variety of customers. First and foremost are those who are tired of shelling out the big bucks for their paid TV service each month. For the cost of one month’s satellite bill, customers can purchase a Boxee and use the Internet connection they already pay for to access the growing number of streaming services and streaming Web sites, as well as their local NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX and PBS network affiliates.

Boxee can appeal to a larger market, as well. Even customers who are satisfied with their cable or satellite may be drawn to a Boxee to take advantage its Internet capabilities on their television sets. No longer will they have to watch Netflix on their laptop or smartphone. Just plug in the Boxee and all of their favorite streaming sites and apps can be viewed on the big screen in the living room.

Boxee will even launch its own DVR service in select markets. Households in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. will be able to utilize Boxee’s No Limits DVR, which will allow users to record as many programs as they like through the box’s’ dual tuners and store them with Boxee’s servers. Additional markets will offer the DVR service next year.

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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